DISTRIBUTOR
continue our dedication and focus on our current brands.” Another big change has been the way it brings the portfolio
to customers in the shape of a new catalogue. “The first in three years,” said Elliot. “Our B2B [website] is the most up to date way of keeping in
touch but the catalogue is very well received and a great point of reference for the products and brands we range.”
DEALER REACTION Like all distributors, Bob Elliot relies on the feedback and commercial success of its retailers and dealers. So how have they been reacting in the current climate? “Not to put words in the mouths of the owners of stores, many dealers enjoyed the highs of Covid where cash flow was strong and margins were higher than normal,” said Elliot. “In the last 18 months it seems dealers have had to readjust quickly to accommodate large stocks, and poor sales in the bike sector generally speaking. “Dealers have had to be shrewd and work closely with their partners to navigate a change in trading conditions, as have we with our suppliers. “Many have done this through a lot of hard work, which won’t be recognised by all and it is a credit to everybody to continue working through a turbulent time.” Although able to supply dealers of all shapes and sizes in the trade, Bob Elliot is still focused on IBDs. Despite it being a challenging market for all small businesses, irrespective of sector, the firm remains on hand to offer its support. “We don’t have all the answers or the greatest powers to help all stores in the way they wish, but we are supportive in whichever way we can to help a customer along,” said Elliot. “Whether this be a listening, attentive ear or working on
bespoke packages to suit their store – we are always willing to work as closely as possible. “We don’t try to tie dealers into large buy-ins, or big commitments. We do issue seasonal discounts for brands and also partnership programmes but we don’t ask for the world to commit to these. We like to think we work alongside dealers to suit their requirements.”
THE FUTURE
With 38 years in the rear-view mirror, Bob Elliot has plans for continued development of its services and is looking ahead to many more years of supplying its loyal customers. “We have exciting plans for growth for the future,” said Elliot. “We have an excellent B2B, which is simple but extremely effective. We tend to find new customers returning to re- order with us regularly due to the ease of trading with us and the level of service we are able to offer with our quick deliveries. “We are expanding our sales team as we believe face-to-face contact is still extremely important. It isn’t possible everywhere, however due to the geography so we have installed an internal account manager to our team to keep in touch with any customers who do not receive regular visits.” “We have some pending brand developments, which will be very exciting additions to our range.”
Any accounts not currently working with Bob Elliot are able to get in touch via B2B at
www.bob-elliot.co.uk or sales@
bob-elliot.co.uk.
www.bikebiz.com August 2023 | 29
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